I was really surprised when I called for an appointment at an orthopedic clinic here in Houma, LA and I got one for this Wednesday! I am so glad though, that I don't have to wait to be seen, and I just hope and pray that they can shed some light on all the pain I have been having. I know my back pain is from the scoliosis, but I need to know how bad is the degeneration of my disc. I was told before my last surgery (when I was 27) that I had DDD, but that is all that was mentioned about it, and I didn't have a clue as to how serious that could be till recently. I was in pain and remembered that she (my surgeon) had mentioned that to me. I decided to look it up and I realized how serious DDD could be. I would go back to my surgeon, but she moved to a different state, so I had to settle for a doc nearby. When I called for the appointment, the receptionist asked me what I was coming in for and I started listing off the things I wanted to be seen for. She was probably thinking I needed a psychiatrist instead of and ortho doc. LOL. I said for starters I have severe scoliosis and my back is hurting, then my neck hurts, and I also told her about my severe pain in my feet that I have been having for six months now, and joint pain in my knees and hands. I think I forgot to mention to her that I have severe migraines, ALOT, and also that my lower spine and ankles crunch and grind.

I would post the degrees of the curves of my spine, but I haven't a clue as to what they are at this point. I'm sure they told me after my last surgery, but most of you probably know how it is after surgery, and you are on pain meds. I don't remember much of what they told me except to give them a call if I had any problems. One of my missions is to find out the exact severity of my scoliosis and DD so I can let all of you know, and maybe I will be able to share with someone who may have questions about these sorts of things.

Something I haven't shared yet is the story of my daddy. He was only 38 years old when they diagnosed him with Rheumatoid Arthritis. That was in the year of 1977, the year I was born. Back then there wasn't as much medicine for it as what there is now, so almost needless to say he ended up crippled...Very Crippled. He past away peacefully in his sleep, January 10, 2006 after a very long fight for his health and independance. My sweet daddy was a very hard worker, he knew no stranger, and he had no enemies. He never wanted to have to ask for help or depend on anyone else, but eventually he had to. There was nothing more any doctor could do for him. I loved my daddy dearly, and I miss him very much.

I do get a little worried sometimes that I may take after him a bit too much, and that I may have an autoimmune disorder stirring inside of me. So here begins my journey of going to doctors and being my own advocate to find out what is going on with me. I went to my family doctor back in February, and told him of all that was going on with me including my stomach problems. All he did was run blood work and send me home with a baggy full of sample meds, "just to see if they work". I feel that a doctor should try to figure out what is wrong before putting a patient on meds. The meds he gave me for my stomach did not work. I haven't gone back to him, and I plan on finding a different doc to start seeing. I have not been satisfied at all with that doctors office. I told him that my feet were hurting me constantly for about two months at that time, but yet he never once looked at my feet or ordered any test for them. The same thing with my hands and neck. I finally decided to get an appointment with this orthopedic doctor, and pray he can help me with my bone and joint problems. I guess the next thing on my list is to get a new family doctor.

Sorry this was so long, but I just wanted to take the time to share. It makes me feel better to be able type things out, and I know it will be read by people who can understand, and care. Thank you!